Alva "Jerry" Hatley, 82, of Grosse Ile and formerly of Kalkaska, passed away on Sept. 11, 2005, at his home.
He was born on April 9, 1923, in Kalkaska, the son of Daniel and Laura Sides Hatley.
Jerry married Marcella Bodrie on July 31, 1947, in River Rouge. He grew up on the family farm in Kalkaska County's Sharon Township. In later years, he often stated that life on the farm was hard but he truly loved it.
Jerry was a World War II veteran, serving our country in the U.S. Army and received the following decorations: Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Campaign Ribbon and Victory in Europe Medal.
Upon returning from the war Jerry relocated to the Detroit area for employment purposes. He worked as a pipe fitter for Great Lakes Steel until his retirement.
Jerry lived a full life. He was a loving son, a brother, a farmer, an outdoorsman, a soldier, a tradesman, a husband, a father, a grandfather, a great-grandfather and a good friend to many. In his family's eyes, he was bigger than life. He was their idol. We will all miss Jerry deeply.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Marcella, of 58 years; children, Kenneth (Judith) Floro, Jerry (Norma) Hatley, Daniel (Patricia) Hatley, Judith (Steven) Hatley Atkins and Jacqueline (James) Hatley Parker; grandchildren, Jerry T. Hatley Jr., Denise Floro Cosgrove, Jeffery Hatley, Kenneth Floro, Kelly Hatley, Daniel Hatley, Stephanie Hatley, Katherine Urquhart, Britttany Parker and Eric Parker; great-grandchildren, Kirstie Cosgrove, Corinne Hatley, Robert Cosgrove, Emma Hatley, Maxwell Hatley, Vincent Floro, Nathan Hatley, Erin Hatley, Anthony Floro, Mia Hartley, Sophia Floro and Grace Hatley; and siblings, Wilbur, Edwin, Alice, Ruah, Thelma and Cleo.
A funeral service was held Sept. 15 at the Wolfe Funeral Home, with Dan Johnson of the Kalkaska Church of Christ officiating. Military honors were performed by Kalkaska VFW Post No. 8684 at the Garfield Township Cemetery, where his burial took place.
Arrangements were made by Wolfe Funeral Home, Kalkaska.
